Night

from the archives , and an actual few moments that happened.

Night

 

Standing on the back step at 2 am in half moonlight

loud music no longer belches from open windows;

drug fuelled arguments have ended in the street, 

and the smell of smouldering barbeques almost gone.

 

Next door plastic pegs sway slightly in the breeze

on a line strewn empty between two tall silver birch,

almost threatening they loom against the dark grey sky

 their stark branches seem to reach directly to the stars.

 

In the clearness I hear the town hall clock strike the hour

 as a lacy cloud lazily drifts very slowly across the sky 

almost caressing the crescent moon

as it passes serenely by.

 

Water falls in soft ripples from the garden fountain

catching tiny reflections from meagre moonlight.

 

A moth flutters drawn to the light behind me and

I shudder with surprise taking a step backwards;

then as look up there are bats flying about the pond.

Oh, how I would love to hold one of those

 lovely creatures.

 

As I close the door I hear the croak of a frog and smile,

 I would never hear his sweet song

 in the frantic noise of daytime.

 

Here it is my perfect time to find peace and solitude. 

What treasures I enjoy as other folk sleep

 unaware of it all.

 

(c)Stella Armour 2011-09-03

All Rights Reserved

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reviews

[Chris Shaw]

A perfectly lovely picture of night time magic. Now that’s what I call, away from the maddening crowd. What a contrast dear Stella from earlier in the day. I think I would be spending more time in the garden at 2.00am as well. A most enjoyable read from your archives.

Chris

[Stella Armour]

Thank you Chris, this was never reall a poem i found it in some prose notes i wrote years ago, when i just wrote about things i observed at random.It is good to re-read as it brings those lost moments back. I don't live there anymore so it really did take me back.

[Chris Shaw]

Yes old poems can send us on a journey. Sometimes good, other times not so, but always a journey. Have a lovely day Stella. 🌹

[Stella Armour]

You too, i wonder if you will be at the marina today as it is so bright and lovely ?

[Chris Shaw]

We are going there for breakfast Stella, but won’t be on our boat. Boaters cafe does a great full English. A treat!

[Stella Armour]

a pang of envy lol.... enjoy :)

[Michael Sun Bear]

I so enjoyed this in my first read, and the second too. You had me standing there with you on the back step. I once had a job that stretched from late afternoon until midnight, maybe one in the morning. About the only reward it offered was just what you are describing. I so enjoyed witnessing, experiencing the entirely different world that exists at that time of night. I must add, that while I love to watch them fly, nothing like birds, I have not enjoyed the times I held a bat.

[Stella Armour]

Hello Michael, in reality there is nothing out there in the dark that isn't there in the light, but how your perspective changes as the silence enfolds you .I am going to add this to my "Moments" file , something new that i have been adding similar poems to ... moments i would have forgotten had i not written about them.

Stella

[Red Brick Keshner]

Now that is what real night life is all about!

[Stella Armour]

And it was all for free
!

[Red Brick Keshner]

Oh so true! 🌙👍🏻🕊

[Writergurl]

What a lovely write here, I love the imagery in your write.
I love the night time songs I hear out my window.
Wonderful write....

[Stella Armour]

Thank you so much

Stella

[Betty Hermelee]

Dear stella
you are a night owl just like me! when everyone else is slumbering, i am awake, musing, writing, then outside to see if there is a moon… light in the high mountains twinkle just like the stars….its magical out here, just the way you portrayed it…so lovely and dreamy… even with the croaking frog
warmly, B🌷🌷🌷🌷

[Stella Armour]

Hi Betty, yes it is a different world when the humans sleep and mother nature does her thing so beautifully in the moonlight. Thank you for youe lovely review this morning..

Stella

[Betty Hermelee]

My distinct pleasure Stella.. hope this finds you well😊
Warmly B